LINN — Sweet Bee’s Shaved Ice, LLC, in Linn, has changed ownership, but the good news is that Kayla Minor, of Chamois, will continue to operate the business founded in 2020 on Lee Street, near the city park, by Christina Laughlin.

“I am very happy that Sweet Bee’s will continue to provide service in Linn,” said Laughlin. “I want people to remain excited about getting shaved ice or fresh-squeezed lemonade.”

Laughlin and Minor met over the course of running parallel businesses, the former with snow cones, the latter with lemonade.

“We worked side by side at several events, and one time in Hermann we started talking about me buying the business,” Minor noted. “I pushed it off for a long time, and then I finally just said, ‘Okay, I need to do it.’ I didn’t want it to go out of business, and it’s something that went with what I was selling anyway.”

Minor built her business by attending festivals and special events in the area, and believes that adding fresh-squeezed lemonade to Sweet Bee’s menu will be a boon.

“Everything is affordable, which is important, especially in this economy,” said Minor. “I hope people will give us a try.”

Laughlin has helped Minor with vendor introductions, and some items are sourced locally. Minor purchases lemons and sugar from Joe’s Market in Westphalia, and ice from Linn Thriftway. Ice flavorings are purchased from SnowBiz.

Sweet Bee’s opened last weekend under Minor’s direction, with help from her son, Colten Miller, who will handle shaving the ice and making the treats.

The shop will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8 or 9 p.m., depending on the amount of daylight and area activity.

At the beginning of June, Minor plans to open earlier since school will be out and the park, baseball field, and pool will be used more heavily.

“I’m excited to see Kayla in action,” said Laughlin. “I’m sure she will do a great job. It’s the same great items people have come to enjoy.”

While Minor owns the equipment and inventory, the business location is leased from Barefoot Storage & Event Center in Linn.